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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.08.10.741213

Trained Planaria Retain Memories Through Head Regeneration: A Model System for Insights into Non-Neural Memory and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Dev, N.·Nguyen, A.·Levin, M.
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Abstract

Planaria exhibit remarkable regenerative ability, including the capacity to regrow complete heads and brains after decapitation. Here, we re-investigated whether regenerated planaria can preserve learned avoidance behavior, a phenomenon that has been reported previously but has been difficult to study due to unreliable experimental protocols. Using a light-to-food associative conditioning paradigm, planaria were trained to override their normal photophobic preference and then decapitated. Following a two-week regeneration period, behavioral responses to the conditioned stimulus were re-evaluated. Results indicated that the majority of regenerated planaria retained the learned response, supporting a model in which behavioral patterns can regenerate as well as anatomical patterns. By establishing a consistent, low-cost, and effective protocol for studying memory persistence through regeneration, such work may help inform future research on memory loss, resilience, and recovery in neurodegenerative diseases.

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Dev, N., Nguyen, A., Levin, M.. 2026-08-11. Trained Planaria Retain Memories Through Head Regeneration: A Model System for Insights into Non-Neural Memory and Neurodegenerative Diseases. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.08.10.741213

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